Leak Sandwich 100: Compact British Monitor with Sandwich Cone Technology & Deep 44Hz Bass

Leak Audio has launched a small two-way monitor loudspeaker called the Sandwich 100. The new Sandwich 100 is the smallest model in the Sandwich product line, which also includes the Sandwich 150 and Sandwich 250. According to the designers, the Sandwich 100 is intended for somewhat smaller listening rooms.

The name Sandwich dates back to 1961, when Leak Audio developed a loudspeaker cone with a layered construction of materials to improve stiffness and reduce distortion. This approach solved problems common with conventional cone materials, such as unwanted resonance and loss of control. The design became an important part of British hi-fi history and has been reused in the earlier Sandwich 150 and Sandwich 250. The Leak Sandwich 100 uses the same loudspeaker technology as the larger models, but in a more compact enclosure.

Drivers

The core of the design is formed by a 150-millimeter woofer/midrange driver featuring a modern version of the sandwich cone. The cone is constructed from an aluminum outer layer bonded to a layer of Rohacell foam, a material widely used in aerospace due to its favorable strength-to-weight ratio. The goal is to maintain stiffness while keeping the cone lightweight, thereby reducing distortion and improving accuracy.

A 30 mm textile dome tweeter has been installed for the reproduction of high frequencies, which is larger than is typical in this category. According to Leak Audio, this enables lower crossover frequencies and improved power handling compared to speakers of similar size.

Crossover filter

The crossover filter features low-loss polypropylene capacitors, air-core inductors, and resistors. These components are positioned to ensure phase alignment between the drivers and guarantee consistent performance, both on and off-axis. The goal is stable stereo reproduction and a balanced tonal response at various listening positions.

Housing and specifications

The enclosure is constructed from various materials, including MDF and high-density particle board, which are glued together to control resonance. Internal reinforcements and damping materials are also used to reduce unwanted vibrations. A rear bass port supports the reproduction of low frequencies.

On the outside, the loudspeaker features a cabinet with walnut veneer, aluminium details, and a removable black front panel, following the aesthetics of previous designs by Leak.

The Leak Audio Sandwich 100 is a two-way bass reflex monitor loudspeaker with a sensitivity of 86 dB and a nominal impedance of six ohms. The recommended amplifier power is between 25 and 100 watts. The lowest frequency at the –6 dB level is 44 Hz. The dimensions of the enclosure are 340 x 210 x 250 millimeters.

The Leak Sandwich 100 will be available from mid-April.